"Says", in this context, is what is called the "Vivid Present" ( a usage carryover from Latin which used it a lot), it is intended to make the past event "come alive" by telling it as if it were happening now. 

Grammatically, both "said" and "says" are equally correct, it just depends on personal preference and what exactly you want to express.

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Jeff

Renderosity Senior Moderator

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